Avoid Moving Scams When Relocating to Your New Florida Home

For many new homeowners, moving can be stressful, but hiring a professional moving service can make relocating more simple. However, there are some scams that try to take advantage of eager home buyers, so these tips can help you ensure you enlist the help of a trustworthy company.

For many new homeowners, moving can be stressful, but hiring a professional moving service can make relocating more simple. However, there are some scams that try to take advantage of eager home buyers, so these tips can help you ensure you enlist the help of a trustworthy company.

1. Ask for references - Friends and family members who have recently relocated or who personally know a moving company that has been used by someone else can help narrow down your list of potential movers. You can also ask your real estate agent, as long as they are familiar with the area, as they will have many contacts and former clients who have likely also used moving services. There are also numerous online resources that allow previous customers to rate companies based on their services, as well as prices.

2. Research, research, research - While referrals can be good assistance, you may want to further research prospective companies. By looking them up through the Better Business Bureau, you will be able to find out if they have had any formal complaints filed against them, as well as what the resolution was, if there has been one. Other websites can also be helpful in finding out about reported scams through informal customer complaints.

3. Ask for an in-home visit for an optimal estimate - Moving companies may offer to give you an estimate over the phone, based on the number of rooms that will need to be packed and moved, however, a more accurate estimate can be made if they see your home and furniture first. A reputable company will send a representative, who should spend between 20 minutes to half-an-hour checking out the home and answering any questions you have about their services. Someone who is unable to answer basic questions may be representing a scam company or simply an intermediary, so be sure to eliminate them from your list of prospective movers. While some companies found over the internet may provide a lower rate, they won't likely show up for an in-home estimate, leaving you responsible for additional costs and fees.

4. Get multiple estimates - By requesting multiple estimates, you can ensure you're getting the best deal for this service. If a company's rates seem dramatically different than the others, whether that be higher or lower, this could mean something sneaky is occurring. This can also be beneficial should you discover or suspect your hired moving company is a fraud.

5. Ask for further info regarding who will be moving your items - You might want to inquire about the people who will actually be transporting your items, as they will be inside your home and handling your personal belongings. Doing this can provide you more peace of mind during what can be an extremely stressful process.

6. Get everything in writing - When receiving an estimate, be sure to get it in writing to avoid additional charges and hidden costs. Be sure there are no blank spaces throughout your contract, as this could allow them to write in terms and conditions that you have not previously agreed to after signing. Be sure to thoroughly understand their policies regarding gratuity and other small details that might be included in the fine print. A moving company that lacks a formal document or that isn't willing to give you any written information may be more likely to be a scam.

7. Don't pay for much upfront - You should expect to pay a down payment for moving services or provide credit card information as a deposit, but if a company is asking you for more than 25 percent of your estimate, it may be time to look for an alternative.

For consumers interested in new homes for sale in Florida, it's important they know how to move through the process. GL Homes can help consumers know what the latest trends are for homes in Florida so they know exactly what they want in their new home.